Burnley will try to make their presence felt when they travel to the St Mary’s to take on Southampton. This has been their best season till date in the Premier League and Sean Dyche would like to take this opportunity to keep up the good run.
The Clarets were heavily dependent on their home form last season as they converted Turf Moor into a fortress but this season they have been sensational away from home as they have accumulated points at Stamford Bridge, Anfield and Wembley as they continue to surprise the onlookers.
Southampton have been particularly impressive at their home as they looked pretty threatening in front of their vociferous supporters and the Clarets need to be at the top of their game if they are to return with full points from this match.
Sean Dyche’s future is in question as the Clarets boss is a target of Everton, who are currently on a manager hunting mode.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Burnley Lineup Vs Southampton
Defence
Nick Pope has been a revelation since the injury to Tom Heaton. The Burnley number one has been sidelined with an injury but his absence hasn’t been felt as much as Pope has coped up really well with the situation.
Ben Mee has had a very positive display in the deep defence and will be leading the team with sheer confidence.
Mee will be alongside James Tarkowski in the backline.
Matthew Lowton and Stephen Ward will be on the two sides of the defence respectively.
Midfield
Jack Cork has acclimatized really well at the Turf Moor since his inception in summer and he will have to oil the midfield machine pretty well.
Steven Defour has reinvented himself and has been sensational in his box to box role. The Belgium international will find a place beside Cork in the middle of the pitch and is expected to continue his sublime run.
Attack
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has been a constant presence on the right side and he will try to ease into the proceedings.
Burnley’ main resource have been their dominance in the air. The Clarets have been fantastic in aerial duels this season and are likely to use this as their main weapon against the Saints. Everybody is well acquainted with the quality Robbie Brady possess and he will be on the left flank.
Jeff Hendrick will operate in a further advanced position as a linkman.
Ashley Barnes will lead the attack. While Chris Wood will probably be fit enough to make the bench, we believe that Dyche will not take a chance in naming the New Zealander to the starting lineup.
